Relating to the preparation of life impact statements

This bill relates to the preparation of life impact statements. Similar to correctional impact statements, the bill requires that prior to debate on the floor of a chamber of the general assembly, a life impact statement shall be attached to any bill, joint resolution, or amendment which proposes a change in the law which prohibits or limits abortion. The statement shall include information concerning the estimated number of lives that will be saved by the bill, joint resolution, or amendment and shall include racial demographic information. The bill also requires that when a committee of the general assembly reports a bill, joint resolution, or amendment to the floor, the committee shall state in the report whether a life impact statement is or is not required. The legislative services agency (LSA) shall review all bills and joint resolutions placed on the calendar of either chamber, as well as amendments filed to bills or joint resolutions on the calendar, to determine whether a life impact statement is required. Additionally, a member of the general assembly may request the preparation of a life impact statement by submitting a request to the LSA. The LSA shall prepare the life impact statement within a reasonable time after receiving a request or determining that a proposal is subject to the bill. The LSA may request the cooperation of any state department or agency or political subdivision in preparing a life impact statement. The bill provides for revised life impact statements if the life impact has been changed by the adoption of an amendment, and a life impact statement may be requested by a member of the general assembly or be prepared upon a determination made by the LSA. However, a request for a revised life impact statement shall not delay action on the bill, joint resolution, or amendment unless so ordered by the presiding officer of the chamber.